Earlier today, the Eastern Sierra Council of Governments (ESCOG) announced the launch of the Citizen’s Wildfire Education Academy (Academy), a series of seven free virtual sessions educating the public on wildfire, and how to prepare for it.

“Wildfires are becoming more devastating each year, threatening our communities,
and decimating our forests and watersheds,” said Bob Gardner, ESCOG Member and
Chair of the Mono County Board of Supervisors. “We encourage you to join us for this
important series as we address how to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season, and
how to respond to the destructive impacts.”

Organized by ESCOG and sponsored by Mono County, Inyo County, the Town of
Mammoth Lakes, Friends of the Inyo, Mammoth Lakes Tourism, the Mono Lake
Committee, the Whitebark Institute, Eastern Sierra Land Trust, several Mono County Fire
Safe Councils, and others, the Academy is aimed at reducing the anxiety about wildfire,
and addressing and responding to the multitude of questions that residents and visitors
have about the topic. The 60–90-minute sessions will be held the third Monday of each
month at 6:00PM.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE AND TOPICS
April 18 – Introduction and the History of Wildfire in the Eastern Sierra and California, featuring David Carle, author of Introduction to Fire in California.
May 16 – Fire Ecology
June 20 – Current USFS, BLM, and CAL FIRE 2022 Wildfire Management Plans and Policies
July 18 – Current Eastern Sierra Fuels Reduction Treatment and Other Projects
August 15 – Home Hardening and Defensible Space Projects
September 19 – Smoke, Evacuation, and Other Preparation Procedures
October 17 – Insurance Concerns, Local Fire Departments, and Fire Safe Councils

Registration for the April 18th session can be accessed here:
https://monocounty.zoom.us/j/ 81384224268.

ESCOG is in the process of identifying speakers to participate in the sessions, and
information will be provided as the sessions become finalized. The goal is to identify
speakers that will provide a variety of perspectives and contributions on each topic, with
specific recommendations for actions that residents and visitors can pursue if desired.
The idea is to keep the format simple, yet also create an effective opportunity for
education and outreach about wildfire.

ESCOG is an association of city and county governments created to address
regional issues.